Check here for announcements about current programs and events, news about changes at the Library, new services and programs and an archive of NOLS news.
National Library of Medicine Exhibit and Virtual Book Discussion
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is displaying the National Library of Medicine traveling banner exhibition, “Take Two and Call Me in the Morning: The Story of Aspirin Revisited,” at the Sequim Library Temporary Location, 609 W. Washington St., from April 22 to May 11. Relatedly, NOLS is hosting a virtual book discussion about “The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness” by Meghan O’Rourke. Join the Zoom discussion at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, using the link at nols.org/take-two. Books are available for checkout on a first-come, first-served basis at the front desk of all NOLS locations. Other formats are available via the library catalog.
May Book Discussion Groups
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) hosts three Book Discussion Group meetings monthly. Registration is not required. Learn more at nols.org/book-groups (or call or visit the library for assistance).
Firewise presentation on Zoom, April 17
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is offering “Be Firewise at Home,” a virtual presentation by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Olympic Peninsula residents are invited to learn how to reduce wildfire risk and increase home safety and preparedness. Use the link at nols.org/firewise to join the Zoom meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. No registration is needed.
Adults Night Out: Blues Fusion Dance on April 26
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is hosting Adults Night Out, a new event series held four times per year in Forks. Put on your dancing shoes for the next event on Friday, April 26, from 6-8 p.m. at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave. Learn a few Blues Fusion steps with local dance instructor Heather Sky Lietzke. Bring your partner or meet new friends.
Open call for Eco Art in the Library
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) invites people living on the Olympic Peninsula to submit artwork inspired by environmental conservation for the Eco Art in the Library exhibition that will be displayed in the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. Online applications at nols.org/eco-art will be accepted through Earth Day, Monday, April 22.
Olympic National Park’s Perspectives Speaker Series: Bat Research
“Bat Research on the Olympic Peninsula,” a presentation by Rebecca McCaffery, Ph.D., is the final event of this season’s Olympic National Park Perspectives Speaker Series, hosted by the North Olympic Library System (NOLS). The talk begins at 7pm on Tuesday, April 9, in a hybrid format on Zoom and in person at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Clallam County Poet Laureate
Celebrate National Poetry Month in April with Clallam County Poet Laureate Jaiden Dokken. Here are several upcoming opportunities to experience poetry and share your own poems on the Olympic Peninsula. For more information, visit nols.org/poet.
Olympic BirdFest Film Night on April 12
To celebrate Olympic BirdFest, the North Olympic Library System (NOLS), Dungeness River Nature Center, and Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Library are partnering to host a free film screening of “The Big Year” at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. Registration is required at nols.org/birdfest, or by contacting your NOLS branch.
Earth Month Seed Exchange at Forks Library
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is hosting an Earth Month Seed Exchange from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, and Saturday, April 20, at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave. Bring seeds from your garden to share or swap. The first 15 participants on each event date will receive a Garden Seed Starter Kit, limit one per household.
(CANCELED) Science Talk: Gravitational Waves with LIGO on April 15
Update April 11: This event has been canceled due to a change in the presenter's schedule. NOLS apologizes for the inconvenience.
Yarn Circle at Sequim Library Temporary Location in April
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) will resume Yarn Circle, now held at the Sequim Library Temporary Location, 609 W. Washington St. The event is offered every Saturday in April from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Attendees can bring their knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, or similar project.
Little Hands Art program for ages 5 and younger
Children ages 5 and younger can enjoy hands-on play with art materials during the Little Hands Art program at Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. The free 45-minute program is offered twice on Wednesday, April 3, at 10 a.m. and again at 11 a.m.
Homebuyer’s Info Night at the Forks Library, March 25
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is hosting a Homebuyer’s Info Night presented by Forks Avenue Real Estate on Monday, March 25, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave. Registration is optional, but encouraged. Sign up at nols.org/homebuyer or by calling the library at 360-374-6402.
Humanities Washington talk on Museum Objects
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) presents Humanities Washington speaker and author Harriet Baskas for her talk, “Weird, Wonderful, and Worrisome Objects in Washington State’s Museums.” The free presentation will be on Zoom, Wednesday, April 3, at 7 p.m. Registration is required at nols.org/hw-talk, or by contacting your NOLS branch.
April Book Discussion Groups
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) hosts three Book Discussion Group meetings monthly. Registration is not required. Learn more at nols.org/book-groups (or call or visit the library for assistance).
NOLS and Olympic National Park offer Poetry Walks along three trails in April and May
Poetry Walks features nature-themed poems placed in inspiring locations along three Olympic National Park trails from April 1 through May 31. Returning for its 10th season, the experience is designed by North Olympic Library System (NOLS) in partnership with Olympic National Park to combine nature and art in playful and poignant ways.
History Center’s “Signs and Designs” exhibit at Port Angeles Main Library
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS), in partnership with the North Olympic History Center, presents the exhibition “Signs & Designs: 100 Years of Advertising in Clallam County” at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. The opening reception is Friday, March 15, 6:30-8pm, with a presentation at 7pm.
Fourth-grade students compete in Battle of the Books on March 22
See the joy of reading come alive as fourth-grade students from Clallam County schools take part in a trivia-style Battle of the Books competition at 6:30pm on Friday, March 22, at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. The competition is the culmination of a school-year reading program.
Sequim Library Moves to Temporary Location during Construction Project
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is excited to announce the Sequim Library Expansion and Renovation Project is entering its next phase in preparation for construction. Staff and professional movers who specialize in relocating library materials will soon be packing up approximately 50,000 items in the Sequim Library’s collection and moving to the temporary location, 609 W. Washington St., near the former JCPenney store.
Learn how to start a business at the free Business and Connection program
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is partnering with the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) to offer a new program series, Business and Connection, at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave. The first presentation, “How to Start a Business: The First Steps,” will be held on Tuesday, March 5, from noon to 2 p.m. There is no cost to attend and refreshments are provided.
March Book Discussion Groups
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) hosts three Book Discussion Group meetings monthly. Registration is not required. Learn more at nols.org/book-groups (or call or visit the library for assistance).
Zine Workshop with Jaiden Dokken
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is hosting a Zine Workshop and Create-In led by local artist Jaiden Dokken on Saturday, March 2, from 3-5 p.m. in the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. Learn about creative self-published booklets called zines and start making your own with the provided materials.
Aging Well Speaker Series: Explore Posture Exercise Therapy
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) offers the Aging Well Speaker Series, a quarterly program featuring topics for those who want to live well while aging. This program replaces the Intentional Aging Monthly Discussion Group, and the new name better illustrates the contributions of guest speakers.
New Year, Renewed You workshop on Feb. 15
Rescheduled from Jan. 11 due to weather.
If you have made a New Year’s resolution and would like help getting started or staying motivated, attend “New Year, Renewed You,” a free workshop hosted by the North Olympic Library System (NOLS). Life Coach Sabrina Caverly leads the workshop on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Olympic Theatre Arts Center, 414 N. Sequim Ave. No registration is needed.
Fun-A-Day Library Takeover
In collaboration with the North Olympic Library System (NOLS), Rainforest Council for the Arts will lead a Fun-A-Day Library Takeover on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave. Artists and craftspeople inspired by the Fun-A-Day daily art practice throughout January – and any community member who has made something creative this year – are invited to display their work.
Concert and Family Dance Party with Eli Rosenblatt
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) invites people of all ages to a free Concert and Family Dance Party with Eli Rosenblatt. The Seattle-based musician combines world music, movement, and imagination in a high-energy mix that creates a unique interactive experience.
February Friendship and Valentine Cards at Clallam Bay and Forks Libraries
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) invites people of all ages to celebrate friendship and love with a card decorating craft activity. Drop in to the free February Friendship and Valentine Cards event on Friday, Feb. 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Clallam Bay Branch Library, and on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Forks Branch Library.
Nature Storytime at Dungeness River Nature Center
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) has partnered with the Dungeness River Nature Center to offer Nature Storytime on Saturday, Jan. 27, 10:30 to 11 a.m. inside Rainshadow Hall at the center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Rd., Sequim. This free drop-in program is open to all ages and geared toward children ages 5 and younger.
Free computer classes at Port Angeles Main Library
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) offers free computer classes from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month, Jan. 23 through Oct. 22, at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. In November, the class meets on the third Tuesday, Nov. 19. The classes are part of the Northstar Digital Literacy Program that assists people interested in learning how to complete general tasks using a computer.
Adults Night Out at Forks Library
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is hosting Adults Night Out, a new event series held four times per year in Forks. The series starts with a trivia night, 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave. Bring your partner or meet new friends and test your knowledge of North Olympic Peninsula trivia. Prizes are awarded each round.
February Book Discussion Groups
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) hosts three Book Discussion Group meetings monthly. Registration is not required. Learn more at nols.org/book-groups (or call or visit the library for assistance).
Jigsaw Puzzle Contests at Port Angeles Main Library
This winter, the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is offering three chances to race the clock and other puzzle teams at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. Jigsaw puzzle contests start at 10 a.m. sharp on the second Saturday of the month, Jan. 13, Feb. 10 and March 9.
Art, Angst and Acoustic: Open Mic at the Forks Library, Jan. 16
Share your acoustic music and performance art at “Art, Angst and Acoustic: Open Mic,” a new event series designed for your creative self-expression, presented in partnership with Forks Branch Library and Rainforest Council for the Arts. The first open mic is set for Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave.
New Year, Renewed You
If you have made a New Year’s resolution and would like help getting started or staying motivated, attend “New Year, Renewed You,” a free workshop hosted by the North Olympic Library System (NOLS). Life Coach Sabrina Caverly leads the workshop on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Olympic Theatre Arts Center, 414 N. Sequim Ave. No registration is needed.
Craft Café at Port Angeles Main Library
The Port Angeles Main Library invites crafters ages 15 and older to bring their in-progress projects to Craft Café, a new event offered from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, Jan. 8 through April 8. Attendees can connect with other creators and share expertise while working on their portable arts and crafts projects.
Yarn Circle at Sequim Branch Library
Sequim Branch Library is hosting a new Yarn Circle every Saturday in January from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. People ages 15 and older are invited to drop in with their knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, or similar project. Basic finger knitting supplies will be available for those who want to start something new. . All experience levels are welcome.
NOLS hosts Olympic National Park’s Perspectives Winter Speaker Series
Olympic National Park’s Perspectives Winter Speaker Series is hosted by the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) in a hybrid format via Zoom and in person at the Port Angeles Main Library, 2210 S. Peabody St. The free talks begin at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month in January, February, and April. The talk will be held on the third Tuesday in March due to the speaker’s availability. No registration is needed.
Drop-in Tech Help for Library Resources
Clallam Bay and Sequim branch libraries provide one-on-one assistance to help you access free eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, streaming music and movies, and more. Both branches have designated times for Drop-In Tech Help, when any individual can bring in their portable device for assistance using online resources offered by the North Olympic Library System (NOLS). Beginning Friday, Jan. 5, Drop-In Tech Help will be available on the first Friday of every month, 9:30-11am in Sequim and 1:30-2:30pm in Clallam Bay.
Donors support Sequim Library with $442,000 to name children’s spaces, LEED certification of new building
During a special meeting on December 12, the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) Board of Trustees approved three resolutions recognizing generous donations to the Sequim Library Expansion and Renovation Project.
Build It! with LEGO returns to Port Angeles and West End libraries
As the weather gets colder, the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) brings back an opportunity for kids and families to gather in the Library and playfully build unique LEGO creations. Build It! is offered monthly, October through April, at the Clallam Bay, Forks, and Port Angeles libraries. Kids are encouraged to develop a story about their creation as they build, which fosters imagination and storytelling skills.
Teens can explore interests, meet friends at NOLS
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is offering several opportunities for teens in grades 7-12 to take part in fun activities at their local library and to help shape future events.
All NOLS branches are seeking new members for the Teen Advisory Board. Members will gain leadership skills and earn volunteer hours while collaborating with library staff and peers to plan teen events and help make the library a fun, supportive, and engaging place for teens. Sign up online at nols.org/tab or by talking with library staff.
Storytime returns to all NOLS branches
Storytime returns to all branches of the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) after Labor Day. The free 30-minute program is offered weekly in Port Angeles, Sequim and Forks, and monthly in Clallam Bay. Children and their adults can enjoy stories, music, rhymes, and plenty of movement and fun.
Play games at your NOLS branch
The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is hosting several game programs for community members to gather and share fun times. All events are free and games are provided; Participants are also welcome to bring their favorite games.